When I first started making quilts I would select fabrics for a quilt top from just one range or designer, which took the challenge (and difficulty) out of selecting fabrics, but generally guaranteed a quilt top that looked nice. I have since then tried to step out of this comfort zone, playing with fabrics, mixing ranges, designers, colors and textures. I have not always been successful at it, but I have become more confident and it does get easier.
The fabrics that I selected last week were based on color but the aim was also to make a quilt top with fabrics from various designers, prints, textures and styles.
(It was hard to get a good photo today as it is overcast and windy in Melbourne!)
I therefore chose fabrics from Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett, Valori Wells, Etsuko Furuya, Heather Ross, Mrs March 30's, Aunty Cookie, and added stripes, dots, toile, as well as texture with double gauze fabrics.
I have learned that although choosing fabrics is hard, you must not be afraid of throwing together colors and prints that you normally would not. This was the first time I have used a toile print in any of my quilts and actually really love the dainty drawings that add so much interest to the quilt.
Be brave and bold. Step outside your fabric comfort zone, you have nothing to lose.
It looks really pretty! I like the bit about stepping outside your comfort zone... I tell myself that whenever I start a new quilt :) Not that I always do so though hehe
ReplyDeleteI think you did a wonderful job of mixing fabrics and colors.
ReplyDeletegreat message! I am new to quilting and definitely get nervous picking fabrics!
ReplyDeleteI am getting closer to being brave... lol
ReplyDeletegreat post! the quilt looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteDoing mystery quilts has helped me to become more brave with fabrics. Sometimes ya just gotta take the leap of faith.
ReplyDeleteI am often embarrassed and feel kind of weird because I usually don't know who the designer is of fabrics that I buy. I buy what I like...mostly NEVER pay any attention to the label.
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt, but then again I'm really prone to reds. My favorite color.
Love the quilt... I was looking at greys at the fabric store today because of you!
ReplyDeleteIt looks fabulous! LOVE everything about it. After I made my 2008 scrappy quilt, earlier this year. I was much more confident in mixing fabrics and colors. It amazed me how good somethings looked together. Very fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this beautiful quilt and telling us about the process. I often play it very safe, and you are very inspiring! Time to step further out of my comfort zone. Actually, I've found making practice quilt blocks from my fabric scraps has really helped a bit in that regard too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful patchwork!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that it's scary but it's worth it to step out of the comfort zone when choosing fabrics! It's just more fun!!
Fabulous, I love toile and I love the greys you have put in with the colour. That quilt brightens up any old grey melbourne day!! xo
ReplyDeletegreat reminder!!! i always get a little caught up in making it match but you are inspiring me to break free and be bold, to try something new!
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit like a flower garden really, everything compliments each other and just looks great no matter what you've planted. I think your quilt looks just perfect and I love how you have made some squares bigger.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. And a good mixture of texture in your fabric choices - stripes, dots, small prints, large prints. Keep going, it will be a snap in no time.
ReplyDeleteYeah - I'm with Kris (comment three) - still very nervous about choosing and combining fabrics but you are such an inspiration with this (and every other) quilt. it looks fantastic Rita :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your quilts - they totally motivate me to get going on my own (so thank you for that).
ReplyDeleteIt made me so happy to read this post because I just bought a bunch of fabrics for a quilt (haven't decided what pattern to do yet) & I didn't worry so much about things matching perfectly. I just bought fabrics that I love (Amy Butler, Heather Ross, Lizzy House, etc.) I can't wait to see how it works out.
I also just finished my first quilt top in 4 years - I would love if you'd take a look (if you have the time).
The fabrics that you have used here all work so well together and I think, like you it is sometimes hard to see if they will work (especially if you are looking at them in yardage)...I find that fabric always looks different once cut into pieces. Beautiful work Rita.
ReplyDeleteI love putting together a range of fabrics from different designers, it teaches you so much about how colour and design works and you end up with something far more unique too!! top notch as usual Rita!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHello, I'm writing from Portugal to tell you that since I found your blog I visit it daily.I love everything you do!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat made me decide to leave a comment today and "reveal myself" is that I really appreciate your advice. I'm new to quilting and sometimes I feel very insecure and proud at the same time, which is rather hard to explain, actually. I'm still at that point where I just love love love love the fabrics and can't seem to get the vision of the whole, of whether they'll match or not.
I already have my favourites though. I love Amy Butler's fabrics and also portuguese fabrics with little flowers.
My favourite colour for everything in life is blue, but with the fabrics I've been getting outside my comfort zone, buying mostly green, orange and pink. Go figure...
So, I'm following your advice and learning from your experience. Thank you for making that possible from such a distance!
*** from sunny Portugal!
oooh, I like it - it's really exciting when things work - you're right, you've just got to be brave
ReplyDeleteLove it! I'm a scrap quilter and it makes you braver sometimes. I love how your looks.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right on! This quilt is going to be a "zinger", very special and out of the ordinary!!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! Your quilt is lovely. Those large squares are screaming for special quilting. Can't wait to see what you do with them!
ReplyDeleteOh I love what you've done. I'm a bit of a 'range' person at the moment...I haven't quite got the fabric co-ord experience to step outside those boundaries completely. Well done for making the leap with this one.
ReplyDeleteHow inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing your quilt and jumping out of your comfort zone. I think your quilt looks awesome and actually looks like those fabrics were all meant to go together! Great job, lovely quilt!
ReplyDeleteAnna
I totally agree with you that a mix of fabrics from many lines makes a more interesting quilt. In fact, that's my favorite part of quilting...choosing fabrics.
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is a winner! I love how you used the Kaffe blossoms here and there.
I love just throwing fabrics together and learned to quilt that way -- "back in the day" we didn't have the option of sticking with a "collection" 'cause there weren't really any collections. Plus, it always amazes me how the seemingly ugliest fabric can look fabulous in a quilt when surrounded by beautiful fabrics!
ReplyDeleteThis quilt talks to me. I've made quilts like this with fabrics I felt had commonality. I love them. Some people don't get the out of the box fabric thing. They just like one line, one way of doing things. While that is fine for them. It is definately not fine for me.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for pushing your limits! As you say you have nothing to lose by mixing things up a little, and this quilt proves it.
ReplyDelete